Brussels, 17 June 2025 – The World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) has issued an scrisoare deschisă to European health ministers ahead of this week’s EPSCO Council meeting, discussing the future of tobacco and nicotine policy. The letter urges decision-makers to prioritise harm reduction and ensure adult smokers have access to safer alternatives such as vaping and nicotine pouches.

Countries like Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Greece are leading the way in harm reduction and provide a model for the rest of Europe. Sweden is on the verge of becoming the first smoke-free country in Europe. Greece has achieved a dramatic six percentage point drop in smoking prevalence, while Czechia has recorded a seven percentage point reduction in smoking rates between the most recent Eurobarometer surveys.

Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, stated:

“The relentless attacks on vaping and other nicotine products must stop. These products are the solution, not the problem. The evidence from Sweden, Czechia, and Greece is clear: embracing harm reduction saves lives and accelerates progress towards a smoke-free future. It’s time for every European country to follow these success stories.”

Alberto Gómez Hernández, Policy and Advocacy Manager for the WVA, added:

“The evidence is overwhelming: harm reduction works. Sweden, Czechia, and Greece have shown this. These countries support safer nicotine products through harm reduction strategies and have succeeded. European leaders have a real chance to end smoking. The path is clear. Now policymakers must act.”

The open letter highlights the importance of evidence-based regulation and warns against policies that could inadvertently increase smoking rates by limiting adult access to vaping and other reduced-risk products. The WVA stresses that consumer choice, backed by robust science, is essential for achieving a smoke-free Europe.

The full open letter can be found here: https://worldvapersalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Open-letter-ahead-of-EPSCO-meeting.pdf